charging handle

Probably an old topic, but do most mini 14s have some play in the charging handle. Just a bit of rattle is normal I'm guessing. Thinking about throwing a 1911 buffer on it. Does the buffer go on the gas block side AND the side that retains the recoil spring towards the breach?

I use 1911 wilson combat buffers on the op rod and gas tube of my 580 mini-14. I havent had one single issue in over 1,000rds with these buffers installed. I have heard of people sanding down the gas tube buffer to insure no out of battery or last round lock open incidents or using a vacuum cleaner belt because of its thinness and toughness.